It’s lonely at the bottom of the picks standings. At this point, I don’t even know who to blame. Myself? Let’s not talk crazy. I went a little out on a limb last week with my picks and it cost me. My first losing week of the season, with no real great week to balance it. I come into Week Seven of the NFL season a humbled man.
But like the phoenix I will rise from the ashes. I’m still the same guy that had the near-perfect 12-1 run in the NFL playoffs last season. I just need to dig down, look inside myself and find the champion with in. Last year I took inspiration from Mr. Stan Bush. It’s time to do it again.
Sunday Morning Game
New York Giants at Los Angeles (+3)
Hello, London. I’m not sure how the Rams (3-3) will impress American NFL Football upon you since they don’t exactly play a version anyone over here recognizes. The Giants (3-3), on the other hand, can be spectacular and as long as Odell Beckham Jr. isn’t too exhausted from plowing through Page 3 models, they should be fine, even with kicker Josh Brown suspended indefinitely. Fun fact: In the UK, it’s actually pronounced 7-and-9 bullSHITE. Giants 31, Rams 20
Sunday Early Games
New Orleans at Kansas City (-6)
The Saints (2-3) have pulled out two quality wins in a row. The Chiefs (3-2) bounced back from a shameeful pantsing by the Steelers to punch the Raiders in the mouth. If this game was in New Orleans, I might go the other way, but Kansas City has the defense and a legitimate homefield advantage at Arrowhead. Chiefs 27, Saints 24
Indianapolis at Tennessee (-3)
Listen, Mike Mularkey, I will not be fooled. There is no way you lead a team, even one with the offensive talent level of the Titans (3-3), to three consecutive wins. Indianapolis (2-4) is two tackles away from 4-2. Would this really be an upset? Colts 24, Titans 20
Minnesota at Philadelphia (+3)
A little bit of the luster is off this game as the Eagles (3-2) have lost two straight. The Vikings (5-0) are the final undefeated team in the league and had an extra week to prepare for this game. Sorry, Philly. Vikings 38, Eagles 20
Cleveland at Cincinnati (-10.5)
It’s not even Halloween, but this line is a horror show. The Bengals (2-4) are struggling to stay relevant in the 2016 season and falling further behind every week. The Browns (0-6) are winless, but three of their losses are by six points or less. Cincy has the talent advantage, anyone can see that. The difference is Hue Jackson, the guy that best knew how to use that talent is coaching on the Browns’ sideline. Does he know any secret to slow the Bengals down? Maybe, but it won’t be enough. Bengals 23, Browns 16
Washington at Detroit (-1.5)
Look at you, Lions (3-3), favored in a game against a team with a winning record. Just shows you that no one is really convinced the Redskins (4-2) are for real, even though they’re right in the NFC mix right now. Jim Caldwell vs Jay Gruden? God help me. Redskins 27, Lions 23
Oakland at Jacksonville (-1)
Gus Bradley of the Jaguars (2-3) had his neck in the guillotine for the last two weeks and won both games. Was that enough to save him if he loses to the Raiders (4-2)? I’ve got a feeling we’ll find out. Raiders 34, Jaguars 30
Buffalo at Miami (+2.5)
The Bills (4-2) have won four straight. The Dolphins (2-4) just had their biggest win of the season. Tyrod Taylor is doing his best to prove all my talent evaluations wrong and God bless him for it. Bills 17, Dolphins 14
Baltimore at New York Jets (-2)
Geno Smith is getting the start for the Jets (1-5) leading everyone to ask aloud, how in the hell are they favored in this game? The Ravens (3-3) have lost three in a row. It won’t be four. Ravens 38, Jets 16
Sunday Late Games
Tampa Bay at San Francisco (EVEN)
Colin Kaepernick gets his second start for the 49ers (1-5) who are battling the Browns for the top pick in the 2017 draft at this point. The Buccaneers (2-3) can build on a little momentum after knocking the Panthers out, literally, two weeks ago. Bucs 27, 49ers 17
San Diego at Atlanta (-6.5)
In another universe this game, with two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, is a potential Super Bowl match up. Mike McCoy’s coaching ineptitude for the Chargers (2-4) keeps that from happening. Will the Falcons (4-2) put the people of San Diego out of their misery? I think so. Falcons 34, Chargers 23
New England at Pittsburgh (+7)
Ben Roethlisberger is out for the Steelers (4-2) and Tom Brady is in for the Patriots (5-1). Pats 24, Steelers 13
Sunday Night
Seattle at Arizona (-1.5)
It’s hard to see how the Cardinals (3-3) are favored in this game. The Seahawks (4-1) are surging and Arizona has feasted on lesser teams. Seattle is not a lesser team. Seahawks 31, Cards 24
Monday Night
Houston at Denver (-8.5)
Gary Kubial will be back on the sideline for the Broncos (4-2). Bill O’Brien remains on the sideline for the Texans (4-2). That’s enough for me. Broncos 23, Texans 20
This Week
Straight up: 1-0
Against the spread: 1-0
Last Week
Straight up: 7-8
Against the spread 9-6
Season
Straight up: 46-46
Against the spread: 42-50
